What Is Flag Day and Why Do We Celebrate It?

The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America’s birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as ‘Flag Birthday’. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as ‘Flag Birthday’, or ‘Flag Day’.

On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.

Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as ‘Flag Day’, and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.

Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.

In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children’s celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.

Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: “I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself.”

Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

H/T http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html

Why We Observe Memorial Day

Some of you may know, but I have found that each year, around this time, people are gearing up to celebrate Memorial Day without truly knowing the significance of it. First of all, it’s a somber day of remembrance. The purpose of the day is to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I can enjoy our liberties in the United States. It is a price that none of can ever repay monetarily, but we can, every day, strive to make our nation a more perfect union. Too many of us are so busy pointing fingers at each other, that we don’t really understand that we are a part of something bigger than each of us independently. For this Memorial Day, pause to be grateful that you were given the “privilege” of being born in this country and do everything within your ability to make it better!

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What’s the Enemy Doing?

Continued from yesterday, mystery shopping your competition is the best way to find out what they offer. Now you’ve narrowed the list, what are you really up against? It amazes me how many businesses claim they are bigger, better and brighter than their opposition, but when you ask them specifically what the opposition offers, they aren’t able to tell you. Ever since warfare began, commanders would send out scouts ahead to find out how many opponents there are and how much artillery they have.

Would you really go into to battle not knowing the size and location of the opposing troops?

Until tomorrow! Please visit me at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball 77375 Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm. Just ask for the happy girl, Gina!

Your First Step Towards Greatness

As we discussed last time, to purpose to this exercise is to make you a better business manager or owner, and especially to help you to be the beat that you can be!

Step one is to determine who your competitors really are. OK, so you probably have their names tattooed on your brain, buy have you written it down and eyeballed the list? Are they really competition or just people in the same industry aiming at a different part of the market? If you’re selling Lamborghinis and your “competitor” sells Fiats, then truth is that you’re not really competitors at all.

One of the best ways of eliminating the competition is to narrow your niche and aim for a smaller market, BUT speak more specifically to them. You can achieve this by knowing who your idea customer is and acutely focus on the things they truly care about. This information can be gathered during the the interview process. Once you’ve establish a rapport, you can ask your customers questions that give you the answers that you seek. Pay attention and take notes!

Until tomorrow!

Can’t wait for the series to end? Just visit me at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball 77375 Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm. I’m the chatty one! See you then! Psst….just ask for Gina!

A Unique Selling Proposition

If you want to win the battle for your customer’s spending dollars, then you probably realize you need to offer them something more tangible than just telling your customers that you’re going to give them good service. It’s important to constantly reinvent your business and come up with fresh ideas that you can implement to attract customers to your store.

Ideas alone, however, are not enough. There’s no point to having heavy artillery if you don’t fire a shot! Good ideas won’t make you money unless you implement them. For the next few days I will reveal the 6 easy steps to creating a selling machine! All you have to do it, read them each day and implement them! Don’t waste anymore of your precious time. Take action today!

Do you want to talk about this or anything else, visit me at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball, TX 77375 Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and let’s have a chat. Let’s see how we can help each other to do better!

Until tomorrow!

Why Shouldn’t You Do A Hunt, Too?

You could have this much fun, when you come to see me!

Easter is this weekend! While Easter egg hunting with the kids is fun, hunting in your jewelry box can be profitable! I’m Gina Olson with Goldwiser (Woodlands) I’m located at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd. 77375 just south of Creekside. I’m available Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm. You’ll never know what something could be worth until you bring it in. Even if you’re not sure, I will test it for right in front of you and pay you the most for it! I’ll buy your jewelry, coins, silverware and even teeth! So, let’s do a treasure hunt and put a big smile on your face today! Why should the kids be the only ones having fun and making money this weekend?

Are you thinking about having a custom piece of jewelry made for yourself or someone else, I can do that, also! If you can draw it, I can bring it to life!

Come see me today!

The Big Day Is Getting Closer

I have been making sure that I tell everyone what I’m doing, not only because I’m super excited about it, but because I need to be held accountable. There’s also, albeit ever so slight, a chance that it’ll be the last things I do. I firmly believe that if it’s my time to go, then God is going to take me whenever, wherever and in whatever way he chooses. So, I choose to go skydiving! I choose it mainly because there are some fears that I just have to get past and what better way than to live one of the ultimate fears that most people have, falling.

For as long as there’s been recorded history, there has been a fixation to climb mountains or volcanoes to reach a closeness to the gods. Juxtapose that with sacrifices made to the gods by throwing people INTO volcanoes and off high points. Some felt that it was noble for them to be sacrificed…Seriously….No! Others were coerced, threatened or ultimately forced once the animals were no longer strong enough to please the gods. Such an interesting place we come from and thank goodness the civilized world no longer does that, but that doesn’t mean it’s no longer done!

Now, I’m doing it for purely selfish reasons: I’m an adrenaline junky and every time I think about what I’m going to be doing in just a few days, I can’t help but to smile, very big! So, come Monday, I want you to visit my http://www.facebook.com/goldwiserwoodlands  page and stay tuned for my video. I’m sure it won’t be glamorous, but it’s going to amazing!

I’m Going to Fall From the Sky

Ok, my now infamous jump is happening in less than two weeks and I’m super stoked about it! I’ve been telling everyone I can that this is going to happen and there will be video uploaded for all to see. I have heard the fear from my son where he started with “Can I go with you?” to “Are you sure that you want to tempt God on a Sunday?” What I can say is this, I have no idea what’s going to happen except that I’m going to jump out of a perfectly good plane and do some tricks in the air as I fall down to earth.

I have done this before, but it’s been a minute. The way I look at this is if it’s my time to go, then it’s my time to go. You never know what’s going to happen from one day to the next and restricting yourself because someone else is concerned is not a good reason to stop you from doing what you want. Is it dangerous? Sure, if the parachute doesn’t open, it’s deadly. Like I said, I have done this before and the feeling is exhilarating and unlike anything else you can experience! So, stay tuned to my Facebook page for the video to be uploaded. Oh yeah, say a prayer and wish me luck!

Until tomorrow, if you want to chat me up, follow me on Facebook @woodlandsgoldwiser , on Twitter @IamGinaOlson or on Instagram @HoustonGoldwiser or visit me in person at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball, TX 77375.

The Prevalence of Amethyst

Despite its prevalence, amethyst has been one of the world’s most revered stones for many centuries. Found in as many places as Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Africa, Canada, Russia, USA and Europe, this stone has a rich history of astonishing civilizations with its stunning, saturated beauty. While the Neolithic people in Europe it as a mere decorative emblem around 25,000 B.C., Ancient Greeks and Romans used amethyst in several ways from beads in jewelry to amulets. These ancient civilizations placed a high value in this stone. Their belief was that the amethyst crystal meaning was synonymous with luxury. As such, it was highlighted as part of their crowns, scepters and rings. Christian bishops once wore amethyst jewelry in the form of a ring. Its color was meant to symbolize royalty and an allegiance to Christ. Members of the Catholic clergy wore amethyst stone in their crosses because their amethyst meaning was one of piety and celibacy. It is even thought that the breast plate of the high priest of Israel was adorned with an amethyst as its ninth stone. It’s said that there were ten stones upon which the names of the tribes of Israel were engraved, and amethyst is believed to have been one of such stones.

Until tomorrow, if you want to chat me up, follow me on Facebook @woodlandsgoldwiser , on Twitter @IamGinaOlson or on Instagram @HoustonGoldwiser or visit me in person at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball, TX 77375.

Valentine’s Day Isn’t What You Think It Is

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty. But the origins of this festival of candy and cupids are actually dark, bloody — and a bit muddled.

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty. But the origins of this festival of candy and cupids are actually dark, bloody — and a bit muddled.

Though no one has pinpointed the exact origin of the holiday, one good place to start is ancient Rome, where men hit on women by, well, hitting them.

Those Wild And Crazy Romans

From Feb. 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. The men sacrificed a goat and a dog, then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain.

The Roman romantics “were drunk. They were naked,” says Noel Lenski, a historian at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Young women would actually line up for the men to hit them, Lenski says. They believed this would make them fertile.

The brutal fete included a matchmaking lottery, in which young men drew the names of women from a jar. The couple would then be, um, coupled up for the duration of the festival — or longer, if the match was right.

The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

Later, Pope Gelasius I muddled things in the 5th century by combining St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals. But the festival was more of a theatrical interpretation of what it had once been. Lenski adds, “It was a little more of a drunken revel, but the Christians put clothes back on it. That didn’t stop it from being a day of fertility and love.”

Though no one has pinpointed the exact origin of the holiday, one good place to start is ancient Rome, where men hit on women by, well, hitting them.

Those Wild And Crazy Romans

From Feb. 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. The men sacrificed a goat and a dog, then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain.

The Roman romantics “were drunk. They were naked,” says Noel Lenski, a historian at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Young women would actually line up for the men to hit them, Lenski says. They believed this would make them fertile.

The brutal fete included a matchmaking lottery, in which young men drew the names of women from a jar. The couple would then be, um, coupled up for the duration of the festival — or longer, if the match was right.

The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

Later, Pope Gelasius I muddled things in the 5th century by combining St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals. But the festival was more of a theatrical interpretation of what it had once been. Lenski adds, “It was a little more of a drunken revel, but the Christians put clothes back on it. That didn’t stop it from being a day of fertility and love.”

Around the same time, the Normans celebrated Galatin’s Day. Galatin meant “lover of women.” That was likely confused with St. Valentine’s Day at some point, in part because they sound alike.